Kicking The National Habit

Grand National

WHAT'S THE DEAL? Trendy London label Sunday Best release trendy London duo's debut of trendy... you get the picture.

TO BE HONEST: Despite drawing comparisons with The Smiths' introspective jangling and the sun-soaked grooves of The Happy Mondays, there's no denying that by far the most obvious touchstone here is the not-very-cool pop-reggae of The Police. Don't let that put you off though - built on bittersweet lyrics for your brain and bouncy basslines for your feet, this is the freshest guitar album you'll hear in 2004.

LISTEN OUT FOR: Some convincing Sting impressions.

PLAY: On a Sting-style 24 hour tantric sex marathon.